CANCER

Dear Readers,

In light of being a positive individual, it is often difficult to remain positive when the threat of cancer killing the ones you love lingers too close to home. I have two family members who are currently fighting cancer.

This post is for them. Out of respect for those I love, I refuse to share who in my family are fighting cancer. Those closest to me, already know.

Our first family member was diagnosed with breast cancer about a few years back. She was able to defeat cancer for a short time by removing both her breasts. Roughly 5 months ago, the cancer has reappeared. Unfortunately, the cancer has spread through her back and are active once again. She’s currently going through chemotherapy and radiation.

Our second family member is a recent breast cancer victim. She discovered her breast cancer when she felt an unusual bump in her breast. After visiting the doctor about it and getting tested, we found out that the bump was due to cancer. Thankfully, she was able to catch it at the cancer’s early stages. Right now, she is following all the procedures to eliminate the cancer cells, which includes chemo, radiation, and rest.

I wanted to share this post in my admiration for these two women.

They are so strong. Regardless of their current life battle, they somehow maintain a positive and uplifting state of mind that truly inspires me. For the countless times I’ve been spending with these two women, not once had I seen them cry. Although, they’re not in their best physical condition, these women refuse to show weakness. They carry out their daily routines such as driving, household chores, and regular exercise, like the cancer doesn’t even exist. Best of all, they both still have the brightest smile in the world. Their inner strength to continue on with life the best they can given their circumstances is remarkable. Both women carry this “push through and carry on” attitude that I idolize the most.

What I admire more than their strength, is their ability to remain hopeful.

There are plenty of times in life wherein it seems like hope is lost. Yet, despite all the struggles and bumps that life throws at these two women, they still manage to remain hopeful… hopeful that things will get better…. hopeful that this is only a temporary storm and that sunny days are coming soon… hopeful that everything that withers, turn into something beautiful.

Cancer affects not only the victims, but their families too. In my story, cancer is a burden to every single member of our family. At some point, the cancer shattered us more than it did to the victims. There is not a single person in this world who wants to see their loved ones suffer… unfortunately, we have to. I can’t even begin to tell you how many nights I’ve had of just laying in bed and crying endlessly, because the pain of seeing them hurt is too unbearable. The fear of losing someone dear to you is a losing battle that you must overcome regardless. Being stronger for the ones you love is the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far. I didn’t want to show weakness around my family members with cancer, simply because I knew they’re fighting with their inner selves too. I wanted them to focus on healing and being strong for themselves, and I knew that showing signs of weakness around these two women would break their hearts even more. Strong women uplifts other strong women – this is a lesson for all.

Despite the negative impact that cancer causes families and friends, it also has a strong pulling factor that brings forth togetherness.

THERE IS HOPE AND THERE IS LOVE.

When a family or individual is being at threat of losing their lives, that’s when hope comes into fruition. At the darkest and most difficult times in our lives, it is often hope that keeps us afloat. Hope is the reason why we believe. Hope is the reason why we remain positive. Hope is the reason why we continue on living. Hope gives us a ray of light to look for, when everything around us has gone dark.

There is also love. During these trivial moments of cancer attacking our homes and lives, the love we have for each other has been tested and proven. Cancer will truly test your character and the amount of love you possess. For when times got really fucking rough, our love for each other was the only reason that pushed us forward. Our love enabled us to support one another, to encourage positivity, to uplift the other, and to believe in miracles. The love we have, was strengthened by cancer. Love brought distant families and distant relatives closer. Love called distant friends for immediate affection. Love gave us all the comfort to know that this fight against a common enemy will result in victory.

This is just another chapter in their lives. A chapter that is not the most favoured by all, yet an important one to live through. Cancer affects many families other than mine. Cancer is society’s biggest foe. Of all the amazing cancer survival stories out there, I’m sure the women in my life will have their own too. I believe they will be cured. I believe that the dark days are soon to be over. My family believes in it too.

Together, my family will stand stronger. Together, we’ll get through this chapter.

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER TO ALL:

Cancer is no joke. Which is why I was determined to get tested and screened for the status of my health. To all my readers, please go visit your family doctor for a physical check-up!!!

I recently got a physical test to examine my own health condition, and that physical included a PAP TEST. My first PAP TEST was quite a unique experience! To my younger female readers who still hasn’t had their PAP TEST done, please make sure you take this test once you turn 21 years old! After your first one, please continue on getting your physical checks yearly, and getting your PAP TEST once every 3 years.

In other words, a PAP TEST checks your cervix for any abnormalities… it’s a test that screens for cancer conditions and/or infections. The process is quite shocking to women who may not had sexual intercourse yet. For those who are sexually active, it shouldn’t be a painful test at all. What they do during the test, is they insert this tube like device inside your vagina and then the doctor swabs inside your vagina to collect samples of your cells. PAP TESTS are very uncomfortable, and I highly recommend doing this process with your trusted family doctor.

In all, I want everyone to know that the cancer battle within my family is very personal for me. This part of my story took some deep thinking and courage to share. To the millions of families like mine, who are currently in war against cancer, I want you all to know I’m with you on this fight. I will pray for yours, as I hope you pray for mine.